Trip to Tallinn, Capital of Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a charming and fascinating city. It is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, with a population of less than half a million people and a rich, eventful history. It was selected by the European Union to be the European Capital of Culture in 2011.
Estonia is considered one of the least religious countries in the world, with only 14% of residents identifying themselves as religious, yet it boasts no shortage of impressive churches. Tallinn is a green city abundant with parks and water (featuring 38 parks and two lakes).
It is possible and recommended to reach Tallinn on a Baltic Sea cruise. The port is located within a short walking distance of the Old Town, surrounded by walls and towers. The Old Town, dating back to the 11th century, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is filled with narrow cobblestone alleys lined with shops and restaurants, historic red-tiled houses, and wide town squares bustling with markets and atmosphere.
The Town Hall Square is considered the best-preserved medieval square in Northern Europe, featuring a Town Hall built in 1404. Tallinn also features a palace with beautiful gardens, a massive amphitheater accommodating 250,000 people where the famous Tallinn Song Festival (Tallinna Lauluväljak) is held annually, which has become one of Estonia's prominent symbols of freedom.
For those visiting Tallinn for several days, here are some recommended hotels:
♥ Recommended Hotels in Tallinn:
Swissotel Tallinn – A 5-star hotel with 238 rooms in a central location. Most rooms offer fine views of the Old Town or the sea. It belongs to the upscale Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts chain. The rate includes an excellent breakfast and free internet. The hotel features a fitness room, indoor pool, spa, bar, and restaurant.
Hotel Telegraaf – A 5-star hotel located in the heart of the Old Town. It offers 86 rooms and is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. Housed in a historic 1878 building, the hotel is situated just 70 meters from the Town Hall Square. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and spa. The rate includes an excellent breakfast and free internet.
The Three Sisters Boutique Hotel – A 5-star boutique hotel featuring 23 luxurious rooms and suites, each individually designed. Rooms blend modern amenities and comfort with a historic ambiance. The hotel is situated in a preserved 14th-century building in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town and is affiliated with the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association. It offers a bar and restaurant, with good breakfast and internet included.
Hotel Palace by TallinnHotels – A 4-star hotel in a prime location just 300 meters from the Old Town, adjacent to Freedom Square. It features 79 rooms along with a bar, restaurant, fitness room, hammam, sauna, and hot tub. The rate includes a wonderful breakfast and internet access.
Rotermanni Sea View Apartment – A modern, fully equipped vacation apartment located 230 meters from the Old Town. The apartment features a bedroom and living room, accommodating up to 4 guests. It includes a contemporary kitchen, patio, and free Wi-Fi.
Recommended Tours in Tallinn
Guided Tours in Tallinn from Viator:
Guided Tour in Hebrew:
To get acquainted with the city and learn about its rich history, culture, people, and daily life today—and to see the best of it in a single day—it is highly recommended to join a guided tour in Hebrew led by Daniel Vul, a charming, knowledgeable local guide with a great sense of humor. Email: alisaman49@hotmail.com. Phone: +37255952369 (It is recommended to take a private tour with him. He is very popular, so booking months in advance is advised!). A tour with him is a true experience, covering all the city's "must-see" sites, impressive scenic viewpoints, many hidden spots you might miss on your own, and above all, plenty of captivating, amusing stories about Tallinn and its residents.
Daniel will also share extensively about Estonian Jewry, visiting the New Synagogue of Tallinn, the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Community Center, and the Jewish School. Following the tour, it is recommended to stay in the center of the Old Town, "get lost" among its charming alleyways, climb one of its defensive towers for a different panoramic perspective, and stroll along the wide, well-preserved city walls.
Tallinn is famous for its delicious marzipan, so visiting one of the local marzipan confectioneries is a must—to pick up tasty treats and admire handcrafted marzipan sculptures. For creative visitors, joining a marzipan painting and sculpting session at the Marzipan Workshop in Tallinn is highly recommended. The activity lasts about 45 minutes and is especially popular with families.
Exhibits Made of Marzipan:
